Instagram Roundup

Here we are playing instagram catch-up again:

Some of my favorite tops I picked up from Walmart, I think they will also work for maternity with the cute peplum. 

This was taken on a fun hike we took near our house.  I am actually wearing the MAMA necklace but blurred it out as I hadn't announce anything yet ;).

These pretty canvases were a recent Dollar Tree find.  You never know what you might find!  Make sure you check out my post here to see what else I found.

Apple cider and Our State magazine, match made in heaven.

This pic was taken after my brother came home from his deployment.  We were so blessed to be able to meet up and welcome him home.  This was also the day we told our family we were expecting.

My new favorite cozy boots that I will be wearing on repeat this winter!  I love them paired with a pair of cozy socks.

Feeling oh so chic in this draped jacket with faux leather sleeves...even if it was just to run errands.

This jacket from Peach is definitely a new favorite!

That's a wrap on the catch-up, hope y'all are doing well.  Still can't believe that Thanksgiving is this week!!

Pregnancy Favorites

Here we are in the second trimester and I wanted to share a few favorites with you.  Just a small list of some things that I have found helpful in this time.

Pregnancy Pillow: Even though my belly isn't that big yet this has been really nice to sleep comfortably.  Once I get in the third trimester I'm not really supposed to sleep on my back as it can cause restriction to the blood flow.  This helps keep me blocked in to sleep on my side.  It also provides support for my legs so they aren't pressing on each other.  Bonus this one is pretty affordable.

Nursing Bras: So things are definitely growing and changing and new bras are definitely in my future.  I read a tip to just go ahead and buy nursing bras since you will need those anyway.  I picked up this pack of 5 from Amazon for a great deal.  They are comfy and have a back extender to get the right size.

Simple Addiction Black Pocket Solid Leggings: I have pretty much been living in leggings for months (even before pregnancy).  As I mentioned I'm not showing too much yet but I am at that stage where my pants are tight and not really comfortable.  I have always been a fan of Simple Addiction leggings and they recently came out with the black pocket solid leggings!  These leggings are my favorite, so soft and stretchy and the fact that they added pockets is great!  I have some leggings that have irritated my belly a little bit (pregnancy has definitely made me more sensory sensitive) and these are the softest ever!  They are non-maternity so I can wear now and later.

Slippers: As I said I was living in leggings well I've also been living in cozy slippers.  You can't go wrong with a comfy pair of slippers.  These are super soft and are sturdy.  No risk of slipping or falling.

Water Bottle: It's really important to stay hydrated during pregnancy, also I'm just super thirsty.  This water bottle is super cute and also has little messages to make sure you are drinking your water throughout the day.  I carry a water bottle with me all the time so this one is great!  

Mama Necklace: I bought this as soon as I found out I was pregnant and It is so cute!  It is super dainty and great quality.  This would make a great gift for an expectant or new mom.

I'm only a little ways into my second trimester so these are just a few things that I have found useful.  Be sure to let me know your favorites, tips and more below!

Oh Baby! First Trimester Recap

 

I've been keeping a pretty big secret but it's finally out...I'm pregnant!  

How I found out:

A few days before my period was supposed to start my body just felt different, cramping, tired and hungry (similar to my regular period symptoms but different enough for me to wonder).  I took a test a week after my missed period and sure enough there were two pink lines.   The second line was faint but no mistaking it was there.  Even though I had symptoms and my body felt different I was still pretty shocked.  I have never had a positive pregnancy test so seeing that for the first time was pretty crazy, exciting and a little overwhelming.  Also y'all I totally used a Dollar Tree test...so those work. 

How I told my husband:

I have seen all the cute ways to tell your husband you are pregnant and I always figured I might do something like that.  When it came down to it I just put the test on the bathroom counter and just led him in to see it.  I didn't say anything and being a boy he wasn't sure what the lines meant, at first he was like two lines so we aren't?  I was like nope two lines means we ARE!  He was really excited and it was a sweet moment to share together.  

How we told our family:

We actually waited until we were past the 12 week mark just to be safe.  We met up with my family to pick up my brother after he got home from overseas with the military.  We wanted him to be a part of the reveal with the baby being due on his birthday.  After eating lunch we gave him a card with the ultrasound inside and he then showed it to everyone else.  My little sister freaked out and started hopping up and down in the booth and my mom was so surprised.  Everyone was so excited and it will definitely be a fun memory.  We told Kyle's family about a week later.  We went to hang out at his grandparents house with his parents and told them that we had new pictures for them to update and handed them a stack with some pictures of us but also the ultrasound inside.  They started to flip through them and some found it a little sooner than others so they waited to say anything.  Once everyone had found the picture they were all so excited and we started talking about due dates and names and everything.

Prenatal Appointements:

I had my first appointment at 8 weeks to check and see if I actually was pregnant.  After a few tests they did an ultrasound and showed the baby.  It was so crazy to get actual visual confirmation that I was pregnant!  Due to COVID Kyle wasn't allowed to go to my appointment with me but we did video chat to he was able to see the ultrasound.  We were both amazed at how the baby actually looked like a baby (sounds silly but it was still so early!).  My favorite part was getting to hear the heartbeat.  Both Kyle and I agreed that seeing the baby made things real but hearing the heartbeat just brought it so much closer. 

Symptoms:

Throughout the first trimester I was so tired all the time!  I felt like I had no energy and always needed a nap.  I was also extremely hungry ALL the time!  Some days I wanted to eat everything and then others absolutely nothing sounded good yet I was still hungry.  I definitely had some nausea, luckily I never threw up but I sure felt like I could.  I would also have some days where I felt so bloated and full.  Oh and I'm pretty much peeing all the time.  I was also crazy bloated.     

Things I miss:

Man I miss eating a turkey sandwich, it might come as a surprise to hear that you aren't supposed to eat lunchmeat during pregnancy due to risk of listeria.  I really wanted Jimmy Johns so I compromised with a veggie sub from there, not the same but pretty close.  I also miss drinking all the coffee!  Y'all know I love my coffee, after getting pregnant I switched to decaf and it is just not the same.  

Exercise:

 My exercise routine was completely wrecked when COVID came around so I didn't really have a normal routine.  I have been trying to go for walks regularly, super helpful with bloat.  I also found a YouTube channel Pregnancy and Postpartum TV that has pregnancy friendly workouts.  I have been doing those as regularly as I can. 

Must-Haves:

I haven't gotten too many things yet, still pretty early but I did pick up a pregnancy pillow just to get prepared.  It definitely takes some getting used to but I think it will be really helpful when my belly gets bigger.  Some other must-haves are snacks, gatorade, and a good water bottle.   I pretty much carry crackers or dry cereal and a water bottle everywhere.

We are so excited for this adventure and can't wait to meet our little baby!  I'm definitely open to all the tips you guys have, leave them below!